Country Homes & Interiors May 2021

Each spring, I join a group of friends in a Bluebell Run, on a trail that winds through woodland carpeted with bluebells. Last year’s event couldn’t happen and while I’ve continued to run, I’ve missed being with my buddies. For me, sharing good times in glorious surroundings is a key part of living ‘my best country life’. I hope this month’s issue celebrates some of the things you love, too… We’ve been swapping tips with gardener Arthur Parkinson (page 136) and radio presenter Jo Whiley, whose ‘grow what you love’ veg mantra we can totally get on board with (page 140). I don’t have space for an outdoor room in my courtyard, but I’ve loved picking a selection for our ‘Escape to the Garden’ feature (page 100). Design that cares for people…

Things that make us happy... ❝SAVOURING SPRING DAYS BENEATH BLUE SKY, BLOSSOM AND A BREEZY CANOPY❞…

Eva Sonaike brings colour to life Wake up to the new Asa collection of bright delights from Eva Sonaike‘s luxury African boutique. Inspired by traditional Yoruba adire cloth, the range translates the patterns of this ancient African textile tradition into rich, contemporary style on soft cotton velvet. Look out for cushions, pouffes, an ottoman, lampshades and fabric, as well as wallpaper designs in gorgeous statement colourways. Asa lampshade in Sage (right), from £145. Browse the full collection at evasonaike.com. NEW BED FRAMES FROM BROOK + WILDE British sleep brand Brook + Wilde has unveiled two sumptuous new bed frames: minimalist The Verity and timeless The Duchess, both designed and made to order in the UK. The Duchess (below), from £1,525 for a double, has a deeply buttoned headboard with a sweeping silhouette, in…

❝I COULD SEE EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED TO DO TO CREATE THE HOME WE WANTED WITHOUT DISTURBING THE ESSENTIAL CHARACTER OF THE HOUSE❞ Blossoming apple trees in front of a half-hidden house were what first intrigued Sarah and David Williamson-Jones. ‘We were living nearby and often drove past, but it was difficult to get more than a glimpse of the actual property,’ Sarah says. When they did stop to take a proper peek, they were so taken with the country house they wrote to the owners explaining that should the house ever be sold, they would be interested. ‘We got a letter back from a lady who explained her mother lived there, but if things changed, she would get in touch. Ten months later, that’s exactly what happened,’ says Sarah. The family…

Visit… ‘The large village of Tisbury in the beautiful Nadder Valley is brimming with history. The architecture – including a Grade I-listed tithe barn – is fascinating, and there are some great shops and pubs worth visiting, too!’ Shop at… ‘Roxtons (roxtons.co. uk) is a store I always make a beeline for when I’m in Stockbridge. Along with stylish clothing, it has a wonderful range of gifts and homeware.’ Go for a meal at… ‘The Museum Inn at Farnham (museuminn.co.uk) is a real treat. This quintessential English pub with rooms serves fantastic locally-produced food, and has a great atmosphere.’…

Sarah’s style tip... LET ELEGANT SILHOUETTES AND SUMPTUOUS TOUCHES ELEVATE YOUR SPACE IN TIMELESS, REFINED STYLE…